Retro electronic production introduces a boldly descending riff that instantly works its way into your headspace. AZ131 is quick to redirect expectations though, with the upfront rap vocals and characterful evolution of Keep It Authentic.
Structurally set in its ways for about a minute, Keep It Authentic completely reinvents itself before the halfway mark – a new soundscape and pace injecting a welcomed twist of identity and mood, and cleverly reflecting a more thoughtful string of lyrics from AZ131.
Initially a purely confident and fun relaying of sharp bars and ideas relating to realness as an artist, Keep It Authentic later rolls through a more in depth world of complexity and story. The production changes gears yet again during the final quarter, an intense and high-octane alternative dance beat backing a faster vocal outpouring of even more provocative ideas.
Given the character and boldness of the vocal accent and the mix combined, the lyrics are far too dense to take on in full with just a single listen. As we delve back in though, the progression from easy going and fun to powerful and engaging is all the more compelling.
The lyrics ultimately intrigue, AZ131 presenting as a rapper with an influenced but self-aware appreciation for everything from classic hip hop to trap to conscious rap to drill. We get into the topic of dreams and reality, then modern culture and capitalism just briefly, alongside that self awareness, and with each revisit some new bar or observation reaches out to connect.
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